The plan is examining three key corridors in the region, including the Interstate 45/Hardy Toll Road corridor.

In response, there have been three of four subgroups formed to look at specific issues for their areas.

Among the future transit options being considered in Montgomery County are light rail, commuter rail, high occupancy vehicle lanes, advanced bus service, monorails and the extension of the Hardy Toll Road.

Another option that emerged from public hearings on the plan was local bus services within The Woodlands.

The Corridor Coalition is preparing for a second round of public hearings to be held in May to refine the final plan.

The two Montgomery County chambers are preparing a list of local groups and organizations to participate, including public and private employers, public officials, community associations and county officials, Carpenter said.

"The train has already left the station," said Oak Ridge North Mayor Joe Michels, who serves as coalition co-chair.

"There are already three or four subgroups within the North corridor. They have demographic and geographic data. We need to make recommendations as to where rail lines will run," he said.

He said the corridor coalition needs to address several key issues, including the timing of any light rail extension, political issues with Houston Metro, funding sources and public opinion.

"Looking at the long-range issues, I-45 is pretty well widened to the max," Heineman said. "Hardy Toll Road may be able to be widened one more lane. At that point you are at capacity.

"If you double-deck the highways, like they did in Austin, it is very expensive. The idea of rail service, whether commuter or light rail, is 15 to 20 years away, but you have got to look at it now," he said.

Michels said it is imperative to examine key issues, including the type of rail, where it will run and the station locations.

For example, a rail line along Kuykendahl Road would be of no benefit to Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah, he said.

Michels also said that, based on the Dallas light rail experience, development tends to take place around rail stations.

Michels said South Montgomery County also faces another challenge, since it is not eligible to receive funding from Houston Metro because it is not in the service district.

Funding for the project may have to be raised locally through a public referendum.

"The economic impact is always good when you are able to move the workforce from where they live to where they work or move people to where they want to shop," Bourbeau said.

"The workforce extends beyond the county lines. How do you get hotel workers to the hotels? Who is going to bus the tables?" he said.

As the area continues to grow, public transportation needs to be considered.

"More roads do not seem to be the answer," Bourbeau said. "Public transportation as an option becomes critical in the location of corporations here."

R.A. "Mickey" Deison, vice chairman of government affairs for the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce, said he doesn't think the 2025 Mobility Plan goes far enough.

He would like to see mass transit options, such as light rail or the Hardy Toll Road extension, reach at least to Loop 336.

Deison said with the near buildout of The Woodlands and South Montgomery County, the next area for expansion will be Conroe and Lake Conroe, where a population center of 250,000 to 300,000 people is expected during the next 25 or 30 years.

"As Houston grows, an important part of the overall Houston transportation system will include Montgomery County," Deison said. "The population center has to be made part of the plan."